trailer length?

[Abby_Normal]

Ok, I have received a lot of information on here that has helped us to decide if we want to try to pull a 5er with our 3/4 ton, and we have decided to stick with a TT for now. That brings up a new question. We really like the layouts that have a larger living and kitchen space, but the units end up being anywhere from 37' to 40' long. Does anyone have one of these units, and how difficult are they to tow? Sway, getting into campsites, stopping for gas or food, etc.? If you had it to do over again, would you purchase a shorter model? Thanks in advance.

[Heavy_Metal_Doc]

Our TT is 35 from hitch to bumper and overall length is 55 feet.
I have no trouble getting in and out of any spaces or getting fuel. I've even been forced (by an empty tank) into a few tiny stations you would not think are good for any sized trailer. In one such tight spot I actually drew attention of a couple of on-lookers who cheered for me when I squeezed by all the other vehicles and obstacles without having to stop and back up and didn't trade paint with anything.

We have been seriously considering trading up and all the features we'd like to add equal out to a few more feet in length. I'm fine with 37 - 40 foot range. I haven't had any trouble finding campsites long enough, either.

I have found the site size issue to be a little strange. I've been places where the staff said I might not fit and found there's plenty of room, only a tree on one side of the site makes it hard to back into (and I assume that's why they think a 35 footer might not fit). Other places will let you get away with hanging a few feet over the back end of the prepared site as long as the wheels are on the pad. Only been to one State Park where the staff said all of the TT (stabilizer jacks and all) had to be on the gravel pad and that just meant unhook and park the tow vehicle beside the TT, no big deal.

Drive your rig around and get used to it and then take your time and be careful. You'll be fine.

[VegasScotty]

We moved from 25' a couple of years ago to a beautiful 32' (tip to tail) KZ Spree. Even after 9 or 10 camping trips it still feels HUGE, both inside and when towing.

One thing we noticed is we've classed ourselves out of some campgrounds because of length. Especially in BLM and National Forest campgrounds. For example we were in Black Canyon NP last month and of 88 sites there, only 13 were identified as being big enough for us.

That means more advance planning and researching before taking off.

We really like the space we've got, but our next TT will be smaller... I'd like apposing slides for space, but an overall length under 30'.

But we'll see. 🙂

[goldsp8]

Our Reflection is 37'4". We love the room it allows us. Big bedroom, big kitchen, big bath, etc. I have had not trouble parking it at this point. We stay in NFS and state parks most of the time. I shy away from truck stops. Too much traffic and diesel is always higher. With the TT, I'm not usually worried about height issues.

[DinTulsa]

We currently have a 37.5 ft TT. We have towed it a lot of miles in the last 6 months. There have been a few tight parking lots, but most of the issues have been because I failed to plan ahead. I normally stop at truck stops with Fuel islands where the semi's fuel for easy access. On occasion we have had to stop at regular fueling stations. When that happens I just take my half out of the middle and block most of the pumps, I know it's a A-hole move but I grab fuel then move, less than 3 minutes total. The parks we have stayed at are not an issue, the longer trailer pulls and backs great plus it allows us a lot of living area with a 4 year old. I will say if I was going any longer than 38 I would seriously consider a fifth wheel, just to put 5-6 feet over your truck and help reduce your overall length.

[GaryWT]

We have a 35 foot TT and we are 57 feet going down the road. Not an issue although I have only stopped for gas 2-3 times in 6 years while towing. If we went to 37 I do not think it would make a difference but 40 would be too long. Whenever we make reservations I start off with we have a 35 foot trailer.

[Jframpey]

I have a 31 ft Jayco Eagle TT and an 8' bed extended cab Chevy 2500 pickup. trailer is 35' OAL truck 21' Yes, its long but absolutely no problems towing. backing into campsites can be challenging - and many sites are too short to park both truck and trailer end to end. I have had to park the truck away from the campsite at some campgrounds.

However, I drove a firetruck for many years - a ladder truck for the last 10 - I always looked for an escape route prior to committing to an unknown side street or parking lot. I parked and walked alot!

I recently exited a freeway onto a blvd. marked "No Trucks" it was quickly evident why no trucks were allowed. This was a high class retail area with tree lined lanes- even the medians. All of the side streets were too narrow to turn onto without striking trees, curbs, signs -ARG! I pulled to the side and looked at google earth to plan my escape. I drove 2 miles to find a "block" that I could negotiate. All for love of Chik-Fil-A. I found out later that access for trucks was thru alleys from the next street down.

[nohurry]

Abby, check this 5er out- Click here Northwood makes very good quality RVs, and even though the Fox Mountain is considered their lightweight model, they are very well built, and have a good reputation. The pin weight on it is only 1375 lbs, and would be a great match for your truck.

[Piddlers]

We have a 31 ft. Passport Elite (35 ft. From bumper to hitch) and a F250. We have looked at a few campgrounds that were tight and spaces entirely to close, etc., but we wouldn't stay in those even if we had a smaller trailer. Just not our cup of tea. We have not had any issues to date and really enjoy the space we have on a rainy day, or late night if one of us has trouble sleeping.

Personally think it's all common sense, planning, and just experience. Sometimes something may seem a little daunting, but time and a few trips should cure that. Totally agree with others and fueling, camping, backing, is just not an issue for us.

Everyone has a different comfort level and different needs. 🙂

Regards,
The Piddlers

[IdaD]

Abby Normal wrote:
Thank you all for your input. The main reason we are avoiding a 5er is because our TV is only an F-250 CC 6.7 PD. Due to the weight of the truck (and us) we only have around #1600 to play with on the pin weight. We are also not ready to go full time yet, so we will be using the TT for long weekends and 1 to 2 week trips.

You have a lot more axle and tire rating to play with than that, and those are the ratings that count on a class 2 (250/2500) diesel truck because the payload is restricted due to high curb weight and the class 2 max GVWR. A 12k lb fifth wheel will tow better, safer and is shorter than a 10k lb TT, even if it does put you a bit over your payload rating (and well under every other rating). TT's tend to run a little cheaper so that's a factor too, but I wouldn't discount the idea of a fifth wheel if you're considering 37-40' TTs.

[Abby_Normal]

Thank you all for your input. The main reason we are avoiding a 5er is because our TV is only an F-250 CC 6.7 PD. Due to the weight of the truck (and us) we only have around #1600 to play with on the pin weight. We are also not ready to go full time yet, so we will be using the TT for long weekends and 1 to 2 week trips.

[Passin_Thru]

Why! When the wind blows 50 MPH in Texas you scoot right along at maybe 35 with a 40 ft. Kind of overkill unless you have a lot of kids. For 2 we have a 31 ft with slider and its big enough. Look at Arctic Fox. They are pretty solid.

[ppine]

For spending the winter in Arizona or maybe full timing a 5er would be just right. For touring around for a week, or a couple of weeks, to me it is serious overkill. I like to boondock camp and hang around in the old USFS sites.

I used to pull a heavy TT that was around 6,500 pounds. Even with a diesel the backroads with steep gradients were hard on the truck.

Now I have a hybrid trailer and it has put the joy back in being on the road. Everyone has to make their own decisions, but to me less is more.

[IdaD]

phenrichs wrote:
Check out my rig.
All together, truck and TT are 53'. It weighs almost 10K loaded. Sway is not an issue for me. I have a Dual Cam hitch that works very well but is not the easiest for hookup. They take a little more effort than some others.
If I could do it again it would be a 5er with the same floor plan. The total length would be something like 4-6' shorter because of the 5er being up over the truck and not behind it. Basically if I have to stop I follow the working boys and go where they go. I have to double check campgrounds when booking and sometimes call them to make sure the spots I am looking at will fit.
It is painful at times but you get used to it. Next one will be a 5er no matter what.

Agree with the 5er advice at that length. It'll tow better and safer and give you a shorter package going down the highway. Hitching and un-hitching is a piece of cake. Just my two cents.

[MarkTwain]

Abby Normal wrote:
Ok, I have received a lot of information on here that has helped us to decide if we want to try to pull a 5er with our 3/4 ton, and we have decided to stick with a TT for now. That brings up a new question. We really like the layouts that have a larger living and kitchen space, but the units end up being anywhere from 37' to 40' long. Does anyone have one of these units, and how difficult are they to tow? Sway, getting into campsites, stopping for gas or food, etc.? If you had it to do over again, would you purchase a shorter model? Thanks in advance.

There are many 5th wheel trailers in the 30' to 35' length range with larger living/kitchen space------------Just be sure that the model you look at has 2 opposing slides in the front room. This will give you all the larger open space you are looking for. i.e. The Heartland 3070 Big Horn 5th wheel. A 34' 5th wheel is actually only 30' in length when towing because of the hitch location. 5th. wheels are easier to tow than TT and are more stable and less subject to wind buffering. The are also easier to hook up compared to a TT.

[phenrichs]

DutchmenSport wrote:


One more word about 'size'. Think of it this way? If the semi-trucks can do it, why can't you?

This is my opinion completely as well. The gas stops you can do almost anywhere but often those that don't tow will not be considerate of your size and will cause more headache than the station choice. I don't like to use the Truck islands unless absolutely necessary. I am on vacation camping and those guys are working. I like to stay out of their way. Sometimes you don't have a choice but that has only ever happened to me once. Like Dutchmen said, 1000' up the road is another choice.